Attendance
Attendance: Spring Term 2025/26
Medical absences (illness)
If your child is absent due to illness, please notify the school on the first day of absence by ringing the office or sending a message via our usual communication channels. You do not need to contact us again unless the illness is likely to be prolonged.
When your child returns, please provide a brief written note (or message) confirming the reason for absence, so that the correct code can be recorded on the attendance register. We ask that children return to school only when they are well enough to access learning and take part fully in the school day.
Requests for leave of absence (during term time)
At Holy Trinity CE Primary Academy, we recognise that good attendance and punctuality are central to safeguarding, pupil wellbeing and strong attainment. Consistent attendance supports children to flourish academically, socially and spiritually within our community.
In line with Department for Education expectations and Birmingham City Council guidance, schools are only able to authorise leave in exceptional circumstances. Term-time leave should therefore not be assumed and must be requested in advance. Where a request is made, parents/carers should complete an absence request form, available from the school office, and provide supporting information where appropriate.
If leave is taken and the school has advised in writing that the absence will be unauthorised, Birmingham City Council may issue a penalty notice when the relevant threshold is met (currently 10 sessions, which equates to 5 school days). In other cases where unauthorised absence accumulates over time, the Education Welfare Service may issue a warning letter prior to a penalty notice, again triggered at 10 sessions (5 days) of unauthorised absence.
The Department for Education classifies pupils with attendance below 90% (whether absence is authorised, unauthorised, or due to illness) as persistently absent. Where attendance falls below this threshold, school may work with families to agree an attendance support plan to improve outcomes.
Please note: attendance legislation applies to all statutory school-age pupils, from Reception upwards.
Illness or injury during the school day
While we always care for children promptly and compassionately, there is no suitable quiet medical space for children to rest for extended periods in school. Minor injuries (e.g., small cuts and grazes) are dealt with appropriately by trained staff. However, if we are concerned that a child is unwell or may have sustained an injury requiring closer supervision, we will contact parents/carers and will care for the child until they are collected.
To support this, please ensure the school office holds up-to-date contact numbers for you and at least one alternative emergency contact, and notify us immediately if your details change.